BEMR: Using contrast mammography to flag breast cancer risk
Official title: Quantitative background parenchymal enhancement, measured on contrast-enhanced mammogram, as a novel marker of breast cancer risk
Funded at Netherlands Cancer Institute · NIH-11535382 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new imaging marker from contrast-enhanced mammograms may help identify women at higher breast cancer risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Netherlands Cancer Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amsterdam, Netherlands) |
| Project start | April 2, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $62,372 |
| NIH project number | 3R37CA284134-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11535382 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women undergoing routine mammography who may have varying levels of breast cancer risk and limited access to MRI.
✕Less likely to help
Women who have low risk and clear imaging may not experience a change in their screening plan.
What this research studies
This project investigates background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) seen on contrast-enhanced mammography as a potential marker of breast cancer risk in women who may not receive MRI. By comparing BPE measurements with known risk factors, the study aims to determine if CEM can identify high-risk individuals who cannot access MRI. The research team will analyze imaging data and patient information to see how BPE relates to future cancer development, with the goal of improving screening decisions. If successful, this could lead to earlier detection for more women using a widely available screening method.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If BPE on contrast-enhanced mammography proves predictive, patients could receive more personalized screening plans using a widely available test.
How similar studies have gone: Prior MRI-based studies linked BPE to breast cancer risk, and imaging markers are increasingly explored in risk prediction.
Where this research is happening
-
Netherlands Cancer Institute
Amsterdam, Netherlands Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Watt, Gordon Patrick — Netherlands Cancer Institute
- Study coordinator: Watt, Gordon Patrick
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.